Kickstarter Campaign Introduces $39 AI-Enhanced PS5 Add-on to Lower Exhaust Temperatures by 9°C

A Kickstarter initiative is gathering momentum with its new cooling unit for the PlayStation 5, designed to tackle overheating problems and prevent the melting of rear I/O ports. At the time of writing, the campaign had amassed $89,000, setting its sights on a $125,000 stretch goal. The starting price for this cooling device is $39.

Introducing the Arctic PS5 cooler, this gadget is promoted as the first AI-driven cooling solution for the PS5. It’s a simple clip-on accessory that latches onto the rear exhaust of the console, equipped with either four or six fans to actively manage heat levels. This device draws power from a single USB port and includes a pass-through, so you won’t sacrifice connectivity options.

SCRY, the masterminds behind this Kickstarter, are rolling out three different models, each tailored to a specific version of the PS5: the original model, charmingly nicknamed the “fat” model, the sleeker PS5 Slim, and the newly released PS5 Pro. The Pro and Slim editions house four fans—three on top and one underneath—whereas the “fat” model boosts its cooling prowess with six fans in total.

Prominently featured on the campaign page, these cooling units operate with “smart thermal AI,” which optimizes fan speed according to the console’s internal temperature. While the specifics of this AI technology aren’t crystal clear, it’s suggested that the fans kick into high gear if the temperature hits 50°C, ensuring your PS5 stays refreshingly cool.

According to SCRY, this new cooling mechanism can lower the console’s operating temperature by 30%, reducing it from a peak of 64°C to a more manageable 55°C. Thermal imaging shared on their site demonstrates up to a 9-degree Celsius drop at the hottest areas, particularly near the Ethernet port.

The aim here is straightforward: eliminate any overheating woes plaguing Sony’s latest console. Over the past year, several games, including Final Fantasy XVI, reported overheating issues. In severe cases, the console could heat up enough to cause some rear connectors to melt.

Alongside these coolers, SCRY is also introducing a Gen 4 M.2 SSD with a heatsink as part of their campaign offering.

Their Kickstarter page, aiming for that $125,000 stretch goal, promises a bonus item—a universal PS5 vertical stand—once they cross the finish line. Meanwhile, goals set for $75,000 and $100,000 remain somewhat cryptic, with more details promised upon unlocking.